Evan Schiller/Courtesy of the club
Evan Schiller/Courtesy of the club
Evan Schiller/Courtesy of the club
Evan Schiller/Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of The Alotian Club
Courtesy of The Alotian Club
Courtesy of The Alotian Club
Courtesy of The Alotian Club
Courtesy of The Alotian Club
The Alotian Club
The Alotian Club
101 Alotian Dr
Roland, AR 72135-9558
United States
Overview
The Alotian Club gives us a hint of what Augusta National would have looked like had Bobby Jones established his dream course on even hillier terrain than Augusta. The first tee shot drops 70 feet to a fairway below with the approach playing back uphill. The tee on the 205-yard par-3 sixth sits 85 feet above the green. The Alotian Club, founded by Warren Stephens, son of former Masters chairman Jackson Stephens, is the first (and still only) course in Arkansas ever to make our list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. The Alotian name comes from the annual golf trips Stephens once took with his buddies. He called it the America’s Lights Out Tour, and participants called themselves The Alotians. In recent years, The Alotian Club has opened its doors to collegiate players—first for the 2019 Palmer Cup and since 2020, annually for the Stephens Cup.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2011.
2023-'24 ranking: 38th.
Previous ranking: 35th.
Highest ranking: No. 14, 2011-'12.
Best in State: Ranked first since 2011.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The Alotian is an experience not to be missed. Rolling fairways surrounded by beautiful trees and creeks, with gorgeous overlooks of the lake in the distance tempt you to forget the course and enjoy the serene beauty of nature. But the course is worth every bit of your attention. Perfectly conditioned fairways allow drives to get some extra roll when placed properly. But many holes also present challenges from slanted slopes that can push your ball into the rough, or worse. Firm, fast, undulating greens make position and speed critical to your putting success. Being on the wrong tier or not playing the proper pace can lead to a frustrating day with the flat stick. But when struck properly, these pure greens will reward you as they are as true as you will find. The course tends to favor a draw, and the par 3's are all from elevated tees to downhill greens. There is ample room off most tees to hit your tee shot, making this a 2nd shot course in terms of your ability to score. If the opportunity presents itself to visit Alotian, your first response is yes and you figure out the rest."
Read More2023
Review
“Wonderful experience on a Tom Fazio design in rural Arkansas. Obviously the close ties to Augusta are felt throughout with exceptional conditioning and wonderful service."
Read More2022
Review
“too many uphill shots to greens"
Read More2022
Review
“Wonderful experience on a Tom Fazio design in rural Arkansas. The close ties to Augusta National are felt throughout with exceptional conditioning and wonderful service. Built on extremely hilly terrain that comes into play throughout the round. An invite that shouldn't be turned down if ever given the opportunity."
Read More2022
Review
“Great course condition, locker room, dining room, and practice range. Well designed holes but not a walkable course. Hard to gain access to the course."
Read More2022
Review
“Much more of a remarkable experience than a remarkable golf course. If you get a chance to play here, do it. If you get a chance to stay and play, jump all over it! The homage to Augusta is unmistakable. Even the name of the club is fun: Based on a bunch of golf fanatics' earlier "America's Lights Out Tour"."
Read More2021
Review
“Special effort to play this course is merited. Not a walking course due to large elevation changes throughout, all aspects of one's game will be tested. Built to rival Augusta National in its own region of the country, it probably lives up to the objective, especially in terms of challenge, variety, and attention to detail. Don't miss it if you have access."
Read More2018
Review
“Outstanding course with great views and conditioning. The day there is one of a kind with the wine cellar and other amenities."
Read More2018
Review
“Typical Fazio, nice and pleasant design."
Read More2018
Review
“Great course condition, locker room, dining room, and practice range. Well designed holes but not a walkable course. Hard to gain access to the course."
Read More2018
